The Suite Life

With its collection of French antiques and tapestries, opulent chandeliered lobby and grand Versailles Ballroom, this hotel in the heart of downtown transports guests to 18th-century France. The Westgate Hotel has four exclusive suites — each occupying an entire side of the hotel’s four corners — and its Governor’s Suite may be its most notable. Set on the 19th floor, the 1,800-square-foot suite is fitted with elegant brass fixtures and crown molding, plush bedding, spacious vanities and timeless design, and includes a kitchenette, two bedrooms and a spacious living area. Recently, the Governor’s Suite made the silver screen in the Oscar-winning film, “One Battle After Another,” as the backdrop to where Sean Penn’s character meets with members of a secret society.

The Omni Hotel has the distinction of being the only hotel in the U.S. that is connected to a Major League Baseball stadium via a pedestrian skybridge, and this tie to Petco Park and the Padres can be found throughout the property and especially in the Jimmy Carter Presidential Suite atop the 21st floor. Dedicated to the former president who threw the first ceremonial pitch on the park’s opening day, the 2,2000-square foot suite has sweeping views of the bay and downtown skyline that can be enjoyed from a private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive living room with a marble foyer entryway. 

Hollywood stars once flocked to this mid-century property in North Park to lie in the sun by the glamorous centerpiece pool, and visitors today can find that same lavish spirit in nearly every corner of The Lafayette Hotel thanks to a maximalist renovation that received design awards and acclaim. The Penthouse Suite is fitted with vintage elements, bespoke fabrications and layered patterns and textures that create a sense of discovery throughout the space. A four-post king bed, dressed in House of Hackney textiles, anchors the suite and a vintage bathtub, placed in the bedroom, becomes a centerpiece framed by the glow of the fireplace. In-room amenities include a generously stocked mini bar and toiletries by Diptyque. The Lafayette Hotel is a world within itself; presenting a full spectrum of entertainment and dining experiences — two restaurants, a supper and jazz club, game room and two bars — all just steps away from the room. 

Opened in 1910 by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. in honor of his father, President Ulysses S. Grant, the storied Beaux-Arts US Grant Hotel has hosted 17 U.S. presidents and countless dignitaries. Among them were Franklin D. Roosevelt — whose remarks were broadcast from the hotel's former radio station — and John F. Kennedy. The Bi-Level Presidential Suite is the perfect stay for history lovers, as the space once served as the hotel’s original grand ballroom. The ninth floor living and dining area is complete with a table for six and butler’s pantry, and leads to a spacious balcony with sweeping views of the city and bay. A half-bath and second entry located downstairs offers convenience when hosting guests, and upstairs on the tenth floor the primary bedroom offers tranquility with a king bed and sofa seating to soak in the views. The adjoining bathroom entices relaxation with a distinctive curved glass shower. 

The grounds of Fairmont Grand Del Mar spans 400 acres alongside Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, and its secluded Villa Sorrento offers a private retreat that can accommodate up to nine people. The villa includes three spacious bedrooms (each with its own private bath with marble fixtures and deep soaking tubs), Italian-woven towels, a large living room with a fireplace, well-appointed kitchenette, grand piano and spacious terrace. Guests are within walking distance of the main resort and San Diego Golf Club, and are a short jaunt from Addison by William Bradley, the only restaurant in San Diego to be awarded three Michelin stars. Stop in at Addison to experience its new Champagne Lounge and exclusive menu of appetizers. Villa Sorrento guests also have access to a personal golf cart to traverse the resort grounds. 
 

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa’s 1,250-square-foot Presidential Suite offers a residential retreat with a storied history of hosting past presidents and presidential candidates. The elegantly appointed space features a spacious primary bedroom with a king bed, separate soaking tub and walk-in shower, living and dining area, powder room and expansive private balcony overlooking the property’s lush garden courtyard. Designed with Estancia’s signature blend of Spanish hacienda charm and modern luxury, the suite features custom design details, plush linens, cozy robes and slippers, residential-style furnishings, and in-room amenities including a 55-inch 4K TV, private coffee blend and mini refrigerator. Guests staying in the suite can also enjoy exclusive benefits through Estancia’s Suite Escape Package, including a $300 resort credit, welcome amenity, Jen’wey Tranquility Tea Service and a personalized Bath Butler experience.  

The InterContinental San Diego is set on a prime location on the waterfront, and the  one-bedroom Presidential Suite features 2,490 square feet of open-concept living spaces with unobstructed views of the bay, USS Midway Museum, Coronado and Point Loma peninsula. The suite is equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows that take advantage of the natural light and views, and was designed for both relaxation and entertaining — a wet bar and galley kitchen adds convenience for private dinners and meetings. For business travelers or those on extended stays, a dedicated office area offers privacy. The spa-inspired bathroom with marble finishes is fitted with luxurious Byredo bath products, a freestanding soaking tub, walk-in shower, and double vanity.  

Designed by renowned architect Graham Downes, the Diamond Rock Star Suite at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego offers 1,200 square feet of luxurious indoor and outdoor living space. It features a spacious wrap-around terrace with a private outdoor hot tub, where panoramic views of Downtown San Diego, Point Loma and Coronado can be enjoyed through floor-to-ceiling windows. The layout includes two luxury bedrooms with private en-suite bathrooms, plus an additional half bathroom for guests. Technology highlights feature three 47-inch flat-screen HDTVs and a multimedia sound system with HDMI access. Guests staying in the suite receive exclusive Rock Royalty amenities, including a dedicated concierge, VIP check-in, access to the Rock Royalty Lounge and VIP guest list access at on-site restaurants and bars. Also included is a complimentary “Sound of Your Stay” guitar and Crosley record player rentals, allowing guests to enjoy a signature Hard Rock experience directly from their suite.

These private oceanfront suites at the iconic Hotel del Coronado debuted as part of the property's seven-year, $550 million restoration project. Shore House at The Del features 75 one-, two- and three-bedroom residential-style accommodations in a bright, modern beach house setting right on Coronado Beach. Accommodations range from 388 square feet to more than 1,678 square feet, depending on the room type. Guests can enjoy all-day dining at the Shore House Bistro, while The Pool Lounge offers chairside service and a Baja-inspired menu. Exclusive amenities include a valet and reception experience where guests check in privately before transitioning into a light-filled living room, dedicated VIP concierge service and a zero-edge oceanview pool complete with daybeds, sun lounges and private cabanas.

The iconic “Pink Lady” has been a glamorous destination in La Jolla for a century. Famous for its Mediterranean-style architecture and prime seaside location, La Valencia Hotel places guests just steps away from Ellen Browning Scripps Park, La Jolla Cove and the busy boutiques and restaurants along Prospect Street, the coastal community’s main drag. For a more private and exclusive way to experience the resort, book the Villa King Suite Ocean, which offers 800 square feet of secluded living space with seaside views. A king bedroom and separate parlor create distinct spaces for relaxing and entertaining, complemented by a wet bar and fireplace and an expansive bathroom with a separate shower and dual vanity. Step onto the private balcony to take in the ocean views and unmistakable coastal setting of La Jolla.